What We DoIn North Carolina, every resident is assured the right to live freely and without abuse and harassment. Consequently, it is illegal in North Carolina to commit stalking and cyberstalking, communicate threats to others, bully others, or make harassing phone calls. There’s a myriad of North Carolina statutes covering the many forms that abuse and harassment can take, such as:
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the abuse and harassment, as well as intention and unintended consequences, most of the crimes can elicit a Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, which means that, if convicted, you could end up in jail, pay high fines, and create or add to a criminal record. For these reasons, among others, you need to call an experienced abuse and harassment attorney immediately after you’ve been charged with these crimes.
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With the rise of Internet communications across all demographics throughout Raleigh and Wake County, and due to the anonymity of the Internet, cyberbullying and cyberstalking are two forms of harassment that have greatly increased in frequency over the past couple of years. Moreover, due to the very nature of the Internet, the lines between harassment, “trolling,” being insensitive, and other nuances have certainly blurred.
In short, cyberstalking and cyberbullying are often charged as a Class 2 misdemeanors punishable by a maximum jail sentence of 60 days.
The main characteristics of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, as well as other forms of harassment, generally include the presence of threatening words and/or actions. This can include direct threats, excessive bullying, and even extortion.
In abuse and harassment charges, the prosecution only needs prove an intent to cause physical or psychological harm, regardless of unintended consequences. As such, actions that unintentionally cause distress aren’t often considered harassment. For instance, if you play music too loud, thinking that the sound won’t carry to the neighbor’s house, you probably are not harassing the neighbor. On the other hand, if you repeatedly blast music to intentionally cause distress in the neighbor, then you may be charged with harassment.
There are some common defenses to harassment charges, such as:
If you’ve been charged with abuse or harassment, you could be facing jail, substantial fines, and other potential penalties. As a misdemeanor, this conviction could also wreak havoc on your ability to get a job, apply for university, apply for housing, and others. For a free consultation with Raleigh’s leading abuse and harassment attorney, contact Dewey P. Brinkley today at 919-832-0307.
Certified Criminal Law Specialist by North Carolina State Bar.
Tried over 250 criminal cases in local courts.
Knows prosecution strategies from time as Assistant District Attorney.
Direct, responsive service from start to finish by Brinkley himself.
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Before founding our Criminal Defense Law Firm in Raleigh, Attorney Dewey P. Brinkley worked for almost three years in the Wake County District Attorney’s office, gaining in-depth experience handling domestic violence, misdemeanors and juvenile court offenses.
As a Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyer, he handles serious felony charges, including armed robbery and attempted murder, as well as DWI, traffic tickets and violations and misdemeanors. Whatever charge you face, we can help.